Tom
I have had the same thing for most of my life. I do know that it is stress related. Extreme stress for an extended period of time will almost always cause one to appear. I don't think it is contagious. I haven't seen a doctor about them and I can see that from your case, it would probably be a waste. I do hope however, that something good will come from your efforts to find out about this problem. I sometimes use a band-aid on them. this seems to help the pain. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. I can certainly sympathize with you and know what you go through when you have one crop up. Good luck.